August 2, 2018
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Reading along with us in 1 Kings? Here’s today’s reading:
1 Kings 2 (ESV)
When David’s time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying,2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man,3 and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,4 that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’.....Continue Reading
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4that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
We have here the end of an era and another one established and several loose ends brought to conclusion. David gives wise counsel to Solomon that is fitting for all: follow God and His word! To think how things would have been different if they only had. As one reads 1 and 2 Kings and Chronicles, we see there are far more kings that are unfaithful. How foolish were they to not follow God and so are any of us who don’t. David also asks Solomon to deal with his friends and his enemies in ways fitting for both. The end of Joab’s life is sad. He was a man almost too loyal to David to the extent of misjudging what David wanted and thereby doing what he thought was best. But David and he went through a lot and Joab did many things to help David. It is a reminder that a few bad things can corrupt a lot of good things.
And Shimei just proves to be the fool he really was. He criticized David when he was down, and David was gracious to him in spite of it. He then repents when David returns to power and is promised protection. Solomon provides the same protection with one condition. And Shimei is foolish to break it. And is killed as a result.